Guidance Counseling

  • Villa Heights School Counselor:  Marion Wright

    Send an email to Marion Wright (marionl.wright@cms.k12.nc.us)

    School Counselors are trained and certified in school counseling with unique qualifications and skills to address all students' academic, personal/social and career development needs by the following:​

    • Individual Group Counseling

    • Classroom Presentations

    • Teacher/Parent Consultations

    • 504 Coordinator

    • McKinney Vento Contact Person

    • Attendance Coordinator
    • Liaison between families and community agencies

    Students may be seen by the counselor on an individual or group basis.  They may self-refer by telling their teacher, writing a note or having their parent email or call.  Students may also be referred to the counselor by teachers, administration and parents. ​

    ​Counseling - The School Counselor provides individual and small group counseling regarding school-related issues and themes.  Students are seen at the request of teachers and/or parents.  Counseling services in the school setting are generally brief and goal-oriented.  Students in need of long-term therapy are referred for private professional support.School Bus

    Structured small group counseling is also provided as needs arise. Groups are usually formed from the School Counselor individual caseload or upon the request of teachers. Frequent themes are divorce, self-esteem, anger management, test taking skills/organization/time management and ADHD support.

    Classroom Presentations and Character Education - The school counselor provides lessons to classrooms of grade level specific topics throughout the school year.  Classroom guidance is a planned, developmental program of guidance activities designed to foster students' academic, career and personal/social development.  Topics ranging from: self concept / personal development, study skills / work habits, communication skills, problem solving and conflict mediation, recognizing differences, career development, transitions, listening, following directions, building positive self-esteem, the CMS character traits, emotions, getting along with others, test taking and study skills.  Typically these lessons involve story telling, hands-on activities and group discussions. 

    Attendance - The School Counselor can assist parents and teachers when circumstances interfere with a student's regular presence in school.  North Carolina does have a compulsory attendance law, which requires every child between the ages of seven and sixteen to attend school.  Although children are not required to enroll in school until age seven, if the child is enrolled, the law applies regardless of age.

    The district sets specific guidelines for each school regarding student attendance. CMS policy recognizes the following excused absences:

    • Illness of the student

    • Death in the immediate family

    • Quarantine

    • Religious holidays approved by the school system

    • Educational opportunities

    All other absences are considered unexcused.  Please know that a written note regarding the reason for the student's absence is appreciated.  However, a written note does not mean that the absence will be excused if the circumstances do not meet the policy guidelines.

    When a student's absences reach certain benchmarks, a letter will be sent home notifying parents. An individual attendance plan may be developed with the student and parent. With repeated absences due to the illness of a student, medical verification may be requested. Occasionally, court intervention is necessary when parents are not able to comply with the compulsory attendance law.

    Tardiness - The school day begins at 8:00 A.M. Students are expected to be in classrooms ready to begin instruction at the bell. Many students actually arrive earlier and are provided instructional opportunities until the official school day begins.  If the student develops a pattern of constant tardiness, the School Counselor will discuss the concern of tardiness with the parent and find ways to remedy the problem.